List of Dual Citizenship Countries

By RosalieT

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Having dual citizenship offers practical advantages such as social security, travel and employment opportunities and potential career advancements. A person with dual citizenship has rights of nationality and is subject to the responsibilities of the two countries of which he is a citizen. The acquisition of a second citizenship is only legally possible for citizens of those countries which allow dual citizenship.

Canada

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Citizens of Canada can still retain their citizenship upon acquiring a second citizenship in another country, unless if they voluntarily renounce it. However, for citizens of many other countries who obtain Canadian citizenship, dual citizenship does not always apply.

The United States of America

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Although the U.S. doesn’t encourage dual citizenship, it recognizes it. If a child of U.S. citizens is born out of the country, depending on the country and circumstances, the child will have dual citizenship.

Australia

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An Australian citizen may gain citizenship from another country without losing her Australian citizenship. Citizens of other countries are qualified to apply for Australian citizenship by birth, marriage, descent or naturalization.

United Kingdom

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The U.K. does not demand that someone to give up his citizenship in other country to become a citizen of the U.K. Dual citizens in the U.K. are also permitted to hold a second passport along with their U.K. passport.

Italy

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The Italian law permits dual citizenship if it was acquired on or after August 15, 1992. Those who acquired another citizenship after that date but before January 23, 2001, had three months to inform their local records office or the Italian consulate in their country of residence.

Sweden

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Swedish legislation on citizenship is based on the “jus sanguinis” principle, which means that citizenship is acquired at birth if either of the parents is a Swedish citizen, irrespective of the place of birth. Since 2001 Sweden accepts dual citizenship without restriction.

Egypt

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Egyptian law accepts dual citizenship. Egyptians who have acquired a foreign citizenship may keep their Egyptian citizenship as long as they declare their wish to retain it within one year of becoming a citizen of another country. Naturalized Egyptian citizens may keep their original citizenship if the other country permits it. However, holders of dual citizenship are exempt from military service and prohibited from enrolling in military and police academies or being elected to Parliament in Egypt.

Lebanon

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According to the 1926 constitution of Lebanon, a person having a dual nationality does not lose his Lebanese citizenship. Children born to Lebanese fathers are entitled to Lebanese citizenship; likewise, foreign wives of Lebanese husbands may apply for Lebanese citizenship. They will become entitled to it one year after their marriage if they have their husband’s approval.

Armenia

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In 2007, the Armenian parliament passed the dual citizenship law. In June 2008, Armenian embassies all over the world started accepting applications for citizenship.

South Africa

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South Africans who acquire citizenship with another country will lose their South African citizenship unless they have permission from their government to retain it. However, applicants below 21 are exempted from this.